So, you signed up for Instant Checkmate. Maybe you were trying to figure out who that mysterious new neighbor is, or you got way too invested in a true-crime documentary and just had to know more. Founded in 2010, the service is a deep dive into public records. But that curiosity can fade, especially when the bill hits. With plans ranging from $28.09 to $35.12, the charges add up. By cancelling an unused subscription, you could save up to $421 a year. This guide covers how to cancel on your desktop or over the phone. Let's get this done.
How to Cancel Instant Checkmate Subscription on Desktop
The most reliable way to cancel is through their website on a desktop computer. For some reason, it just seems to work better than on a phone. You'll need to log in and navigate through a few account menus. It's a bit of a pain, but it works.
1 Log In to Your Account
First, head over to the Instant Checkmate website and sign into your account. You'll need the email and password you used to sign up. If you can't remember it, you'll have to go through the password reset process.
2 Go to Your Account Dashboard
Once you're in, you should be on your main dashboard. Look for a link or tab that says 'Account' or has your name on it. It's almost always in the top-right corner of the page.
3 Find Your Membership Settings
In your account section, you need to find where your membership details are stored. Click on a tab or link that says 'Membership Settings' or something similar. I had to click around a bit to find this, they don't make it super obvious.
4 Click the Cancel Link
This is the key step. Find the button or link that says 'Cancel Subscription' or 'Stop all billing'. They might hide it at the bottom of the page. Click it. Be ready for them to ask why you're leaving or offer you a discount.
5 Confirm Your Cancellation
After you click cancel, you'll likely have to go through one or two more screens to confirm. Don't just close the window. Make sure you click the final 'Confirm Cancellation' button until you see a message that it's done.
Cancel Instant Checkmate Subscription with phone
You can call their Member Care team to cancel.
- Phone Number: 1-800-222-8985
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST.
Be prepared for a potential wait time. A user on Trustpilot said, 'I had to call twice. The first rep just tried to sell me a discount instead of cancelling.' You might need to be firm and just say you want to cancel.
Heads up, cancelling your Instant Checkmate subscription does not mean you get a refund for the current billing period. Their policy is pretty clear, no prorated refunds. Also, and this is important, cancelling your paid account does not remove your own public data from their search results. That requires a completely separate opt-out process on their site. There is no option to just pause your membership.
Instant Checkmate Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (per month) | Billing Cycle | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Plan | $35.12 | Monthly | Standard access to unlimited background reports. Best for a one-time search, but it's the most expensive monthly rate. |
| 3-Month Plan | $28.09 | Every 3 months | A cheaper rate if you commit to a quarter. You pay for three months upfront and get the same unlimited reports. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Instant Checkmate
Can I unsubscribe from Instant Checkmate anytime?
Can I get a refund from Instant Checkmate if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Instant Checkmate subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Instant Checkmate to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Instant Checkmate subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Instant Checkmate?
Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.
